NYCFC vs CF Montréal preview: Let’s win before heading on the road

Before New York City FC heads on the road for four games, the Pigeons will host a midweek match against CF Montréal.  As fans will remember, the Canadian team was the only team they beat on the road in 2023, and then the home matchup ended with their second win in 18 fixtures.

It is still expected that NYCFC will win in 2024.  The Queens’ side is in fifth place with 32 points while Montréal is in tenth with 22 points.  The two teams are close in goals scored, where the Pigeons have 30 and the Canada side has 28.  However, the major difference is the goals allowed, where NYCFC has allowed 25 while CF Montréal has allowed 43.

There is no question the goals allowed would be less if the backline limited some of their mistakes, especially early on in the season.  Matt Freese has been superb between the sticks but did falter somewhat during the Orlando City SC game.  The two goals allowed were due to defensive blunders.  The goalkeeper should have made those saves, especially on the second one.  This weekend’s game is the perfect time to redeem himself.

Ideally, NYCFC will end with all three points.  Here is a preview of their game against CF Montréal.

Date

NYCFC and CF Montréal will play one another on Wednesday, July 3.

Time

The game is at 7:30 PM ET.  

Location

The fixture will occur at Citi Field in Queens, NY.

How to watch

Supporters can watch the match on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.

Weather

Wednesday should be a beautiful evening for a match.  When it begins, it will be partly cloudy and around 74 degrees.  It will be a little windy, but for the most part, it will be perfect playing conditions.

Injury report

After a few matches with a healthy injury report, that will change with Malachi Jones’s injury.  The rookie will be out for the foreseeable future (right leg).

Players to watch

NYCFC supporters should pay attention to Nick Cushing.  Who will he play as the left-winger?  As the season goes on, will he continue to rotate?  Since this is a midweek fixture, will he rotate some of the other players?  Everyone must watch to see how the head coach manages his players and the Starting XI.

In addition, fans should watch George Campbell on Montréal.  The 23-year-old has become a mainstay starter with his team and is one of the better defenders.  Truthfully, the statistics do not hold up amongst others in the league, but it does not help his team is struggling.  When one watches Campbell, they will see what he can do.

Prediction

NYCFC has not lost to CF Montréal since 2021, so why start now?  The prediction is that the Pigeons will win 2-0, with Freese getting that rare clean sheet.